Air Force Studies

Air Force ROTC offers students a course of study leading to a commission as a second
lieutenant. Designed to complement individual academic majors, AFROTC courses can
be applied toward minor requirements. Cadets enrolled in the program represent a broad
cross section of the student body. The student/cadet has an opportunity to explore
and evaluate Air Force career opportunities while earning a college degree. Completion
of the AFROTC curriculum is the initial step in the education of the professional
officer and provides a firm understanding of basic aerospace doctrine and the Air
Force missions, organization, and operation.

The Air Force ROTC program consists of two phases: the General Military Course (GMC)
and the Professional Officer Course (POC). Each phase requires four (4) semesters
of study.

General Military Course (The Basic Course)

Students may enroll in the General Military Course with no military obligation. The
GMC courses deal primarily with the various Air Force organizations and their missions,
as well as the history of the Air Force. Communication skills are also emphasized.

Professional Officer Course (The Advanced Course)

Enrollment in the POC is limited to those students who have applied and been accepted
for the course. Selection is based on interest in the Air Force together with academic
records, observed leadership abilities, physical fitness, and SAT/ACT scores. Application
is normally made while a member of the GMC. Individuals entering the POC must have
two academic years remaining in college as full-time students at the undergraduate
and/or graduate level. Upon completion, all POC students are obligated to accept a
commission and enter the active-duty Air Force.

Junior-year materials emphasize student involvement in learning and practicing management
and leadership techniques. Leadership and management skills as they apply to a Junior
officer in the Air Force are emphasized, and communication skills are stressed throughout
the entire AFROTC curriculum. The senior-year course deals extensively with the political,
economic, and social factors relating to the formulation and implementation of national
security policy.Cadets receive a nontaxable allowance monthly while on contract (normally during the
two academic years in the POC). This stipend is in addition to any other scholarship
benefits.

Field Training Course

All students must complete one field training course, conducted at an active Air Force
base during the summer months. The program requires a four-week course to be completed,
normally, between the sophomore and junior years.When attending field training, a student is furnished transportation or payment for
travel plus pay at the current rate of approximately $600 per month. Uniforms and
free medical care are furnished while at field training.

AFROTC College Scholarship Program

The Professor of Air Force Studies (PAS) can nominate qualified freshmen, sophomores,
and juniors to compete for three and two-year scholarships. The scholarship entitlement
pays full tuition and fees at USA, a textbook allotment, and the monthly allowance
mentioned above. Scholarship consideration is predicated on student ability, performance,
and potential needs of the Air Force. Interested students need to contact the Department
of Air Force Studies.

Three and four-year scholarships are also available to high school students. High
school students interested in applying should call the Department of Air Force Studies
at (251)460-7211 or write the Department of Air Force Studies (AFROTC), University
of South Alabama, SRH 156, Mobile, AL 36688-0002.

Air Force ROTC Uniforms

Students in Air Force ROTC will be issued uniforms to wear to class and leadership
laboratory. They must be turned in upon completion of the year or when the cadet drops
or is dropped from the program.

Courses of Instruction

The GMC course is normally completed during the freshman and sophomore years. This
basic course consists of four semesters of study with one hour of classroom work and
two hours of leadership laboratory per week.The POC consists of four semesters of study, and this advanced course leads to a commission
in the United States Air Force. Three classroom hours and two hours of Leadership
Laboratory are required weekly. Students interested in this program should contact
the Professor of the Air Force Studies.